An information-driven program should include not only analysis of crime statistics, but processes for monitoring data that tracks patrol and investigative performance, as well as community outreach efforts. Community outreach plays as important a role in the crime reduction process as does enforcement, particularly in developing information about conditions of concern to the residents. It must be recognized equally, and subject to the same level of accountability and analysis, as traditional enforcement. The Department’s positive relationship with the community it serves will be an asset in this area.
It is recommended that the Police Department implement a proactive, information-led crime reduction strategy based on the principles originated by the Compstat model that includes:
- A formal crime analysis component to identify crime trends and put relevant intelligence into the hands of the staff who can apply it in the field through deployment of personnel and enforcement initiatives
- Assessment, in the form of periodic command-level meetings or other methods most suitable to the needs of the Department, to ensure that appropriate information has been shared, and that all units within the agency are coordinating their efforts and providing necessary support; and
- Accountability, to ensure that all members of the agency are actively engaged in its mission